Info for
Quick links
Download our Mobile app
Icon for Apple. App Store Icon for Android. Google Play

Alumni of Distinction’s Surviving Addiction docuseries returns with help from Social Impact Hub, DC community

For Durham College (DC) Alumni of Distinction Chris Cull, the second season of his Surviving Addiction docuseries has been a true team effort.

With funding from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation and Mitacs and invaluable support from DC’s Social Impact Hub, the new season launched on YouTube on July 18. It consists of six episodes, with a new one premiering every Friday at noon.

Like the first season, the new episodes explore the different perspectives of those touched by addiction, from those in recovery to the family and friends who support them and the doctors who treat them.

“There are so many different dynamics to how substance use and addiction can affect somebody. Everybody’s journey is very different,” said Cull, who shared his own story of overcoming opioid addiction in the series’ first instalment. This season, subjects include a young man who overcame addiction as a teenager, a woman who held her family together in the face of her partner’s struggles, medical professionals at CAMH and Lakeridge Health, and more.

“The essence of the series is education through storytelling, and to try to help the broader public have a better understanding of substance use and addiction and see a little bit of themselves in the stories that they’re watching.”

To tell those stories, Cull had the support of Social Impact Hub Project Coordinator Sara-Ruth Allen and Faculty Project Lead K. Jennifer Bedford, as well as two DC students; May Friedman (Photography) and Hrithik Udani (Video Production). Over two long days of filming and weeks of post-production work, the DC contingent brought their experience and expertise to the process of delivering six impactful and educational episodes. Their tasks included conducting and filming interviews, shooting B-roll, editing the footage and more.

“Surviving Addiction is more than a docuseries—it’s a model for work-integrated learning in action. It gives solid footing for our students to go out into industry and succeed. It allows them to see how a real production works, not just in a classroom, but in real life,” explained Bedford, who teaches in the Faculty of Media, Art and Design. “A project like this has social impact, and I’m extremely pleased that we can offer students an opportunity to learn how they can make a difference within the world through their storytelling.”

Working on the series as a Social Impact Hub project lead was a valuable opportunity for Bedford as well, giving her the chance to exercise and hone the production skills she teaches in the classroom.

“It keeps me fresh; it keeps me relevant. I think that’s incredibly important to demonstrate to students who are coming to Durham College – that our faculty are the best, and this is one of the reasons why.”

As the season unfolds, the hard work of Cull, Bedford, the students and everyone else who had a hand in the project will shine a spotlight on emotional and inspiring stories that will make a difference.

“People connect emotionally with stories,” said Cull. “You can throw data on if you’re looking at overdose deaths and how many happened in the last month, and that’s a number on a screen. But if you take one of those numbers and tell the context and story behind it, then people get interested.”

Durham College’s Film & Motion Design Program Launches Students into Creative Careers

Durham College’s refreshed Film & Motion Design: Media Fundamentals program is giving students a powerful start in the world of media, offering a dynamic blend of theory, hands-on training, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Designed to meet the growing demands of the digital content industry, the program now features stronger integration with related programs like Animation – Digital Production, Interactive Media Design, Photography and Video Production, Graphic Design, or Game Art. Students gain expertise using industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Maya, Blender, and Unreal Engine, while building professional portfolios that open doors to exciting career opportunities.

“This program has evolved significantly to ensure that our students are gaining the skills and experience needed for them to meet the needs of the evolving industries they’ll work in,” said Program Coordinator Jennifer Bedford. “Even the name change reflects a refined focus on design and digital storytelling.”

The program’s refreshed curriculum emphasizes motion graphics, interactive media, and emerging digital content trends, aligning with in-demand fields like advertising, gaming, social media, and digital marketing. Guest speakers, field trips, and industry networking opportunities provide students with real-world insights and connections.

“The program offers a fantastic balance of theory and practical experience, helping me build a solid foundation in media and film production,” said student Jayakrishnan Kovilakam. “The hands-on projects made my studies engaging and practical, and the support from the faculty—sharing real-world tips and feedback—helped me feel ready to step into the industry.”

For Harkirat Kaur, the program has exceeded expectations. “I enrolled to improve my photography, editing, and design skills, and I left with so much more,” Kaur said. “Learning through projects like creating a documentary, and hearing professors share their journeys, really inspired me.”

Students also benefit from expanded access to professional equipment including cameras, lighting kits, drawing tablets, and other production tools. Graduates leave with a curated portfolio, strong visual storytelling skills, and pathways to further education.

“With a focus on preparing students for the future of content creation, DC’s Film & Motion Design: Media Fundamentals program is the perfect launchpad for the next generation of media professionals,” said Bedford.

Durham College celebrates 2025 Alumni of Distinction recipients

This year, Durham College (DC) welcomes five individuals to the long list of outstanding graduates who have been recognized as the college’s Alumni of Distinction.

The 2025 Alumni of Distinction recipients Jeremy Burns, Aaron Dale, Chris Cull, Shawn Small and Paula Sojo, will be celebrated at DC’s Spring Convocation.

“We are so proud to celebrate this group of inspiring DC graduates,” said Ariel Sully, Associate Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Relations. “Each of them has found success in a career path using their own experiences to guide and assist others.”

  • Jeremy Burns

    Penelogy and Youth, 2005
    Law and Security Administration, 2004

    Aaron dale

    Police Foundations, 2005

    As Canadian Armed Forces veterans, Burns and Dale have a personal understanding of the gaps in support for military veterans. Together, they co-founded the Military Veterans Wellness Program (MVWP), a pioneering initiative designed to support Canadian military veterans in their transition to civilian life and improve public safety. The program is now part of mandatory training for Toronto police officers and more than 18,000 people have participated in the training in Canada. MVWP has been adapted internationally and is in the process of implementation in Australia, Ukraine, and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). Burns graduated from the Penology and Youth program in 2005 and the Law and Security Administration program in 2004, while Dale graduated from Police Foundations in 2005. Both have served as Toronto Police Service officers for the past six years.

  • CHRIS CULL

    Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technician, 2007

    A 2007 graduate of Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technician, Cull’s inspiring achievements in health sciences are rooted in his personal transformation from opioid addiction to recovery and advocacy. Collaborating with DC’s Social Impact Hub, he created his 2023-2024 docuseries, Surviving Addiction, which highlights the humanity behind addiction and how it affects individuals and those surrounding them. A motivational speaker, filmmaker, and policy consultant, he has advised numerous institutions, including but not limited to, the Ontario Health Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, the Government of Canada, and the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs. In addition, he is a member of the World Health Organization's Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Mental Health, Neurological and Substance Use Conditions.

  • SHAWN SMALL

    Sports Administration, 1998

    Founder and President of RISE Integrated Sports + Entertainment, Small has built an agency that champions diversity, inclusion, and innovation in sports partnerships. Throughout his career, he has spearheaded major sponsorship initiatives for organizations, including Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Northern Super League, and the Canadian Elite Basketball League. An industry leader, he regularly shares his insights as an event speaker, panellist, and awards judge. Beyond driving measurable success for sports organizations, Small is dedicated to mentorship, helping to guide the next generation of sports leaders. He has also made an impact on DC students, previously teaching in the program that shaped his own professional journey in 1998, Sports Administration, and serving as a member of the Program Advisory Committee.

  • PAULA SOJO

    Photography, 2025
    Video Production, 2024

    At the age of 18, Paula Sojo was diagnosed with a severe case of Crohn’s disease, resulting in 17 surgeries and a permanent ostomy. Determined to help others, she teamed up with her brother to found Ostome Fashion, a thriving business that provides fashionable and empowering options to all ostomy users. With help from family, friends, and mentors, she has not only changed her life but also promoted representation and acceptance and empowered her community. Sojo is a 2024 graduate of the Video Production program and will cross the Convocation stage for a second time this spring as a 2025 graduate of DC’s Photography program.

Thousands of graduates will celebrate their achievements next month at DC’s Spring Convocation, which takes place from Monday, June 16 to Thursday, June 19 at the Tribute Communities Centre.

DC grad Daylan Belsey places first in Animation at the Ubisoft Toronto NEXT Challenge

Durham College (DC) animation grad Daylan Belsey recently won top spot in the Ubisoft Toronto NEXT Challenge, landing him a coveted internship at Ubisoft Toronto.

More than 300 aspiring game developers from across the province participated in the annual event, submitting projects across nine categories.

Participants in the Animation category, including Belsey, were challenged to display an understanding of body mechanics and acting through body language. Belsey’s winning submission expertly captured the category’s theme of shock both literally and through the emotion of his characters.

A 2024 graduate of DC’s Animation – Digital Production program, he leveraged the skills and professional growth he acquired during his time as a student.

“There are so many different places to take inspiration from with this sort of project,” said Belsey. “I actually submitted a piece in last year’s competition, too, but at the time I didn’t have an eye for some of the mistakes I was making and didn’t quite know how to strengthen the theme in my piece.”

While participating in the Ubisoft Toronto NEXT Challenge is not a mandatory part of the program, it is encouraged and students are able to use their submission as a project in class.

“Regardless of how the competition went, my side goal was to improve my workflow, acting and body mechanics, and to have a great demo reel piece – my expectations were blown out of the water when I placed first,” he said. “Everybody at the studio was so kind and I’m excited for the opportunity to learn from them.”

Student’s in DC’s Animation – Digital Production program have access to state-of-the-art equipment including the Mixed Reality Capture Studio, as well as supportive, expert faculty. Belsey fondly remembered the pride and comradery he felt during the program’s final All-Years Screening where students debut their work to faculty and peers. He also highly values the essential soft skills he developed in the program such as collaboration and problem solving.

“I was happy, although not surprised, to see Daylan win,” said Faculty Member Gary Chapple. “He was always one of the hardest working students, he thrived on feedback, was very dedicated to pushing himself – and is also just a super nice person.”

Online game development for Barrett Centre uses student skills and provides real-world experience

What if you could help children learn that the food doesn’t just appear on their dinner plates but grows on farms? What if you could make that heavy lesson fun? What if you could provide students from two creative programs with a real-world learning experience along the way? Now a collaborative partnership between the Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture and programs in the Faculty of Media, Art and Design is doing just that, by enlisting student talent to build educational games for the Barrett Centre’s website, in a multi-semester project.

The Barrett Centre is already a pretty fun place to visit as a kid. Hosting sessions with local schools as well as community organizations, the farm offers tours where children can see vegetable growing in action, as well as play farm games like “Maple Tree baseball” with different cards that help (seeds, light, soil, rain) or hinder (lawnmower, deer) plant growth—kids take their cards and run to  a base. If the group on base has all the conditions they need to help a plant grow, they are safe. But if seed meets lawnmower instead, they are out.

It’s that same spirit of creativity and fun that the Barrett Centre’s Community Engagement Coordinator Jennifer Hoban is hoping to extend online. Their web portal was developed in 2023 and already includes resources about sustainable urban agriculture, a community forum, Barrett Centre experts on call, and a blog with stories from the community. Students can already jump on to continue their experiences from home and the games are expected to make the site even more interactive, especially for kids and parents looking for educational tools.

“The Barrett Centre facilitates farm and food literacy at our Ajax Urban Farm, and online through the Urban Agriculture Community Portal.  Both before and after students visit the farm, they can continue their education on the portal.” said Hoban. “This project started with an intention of wanting to support this community by connecting the physical and digital learning spaces through gamification.”

The project began with a capstone student group from the Project Management Graduate Certificate program, where students generated several plans for how games could be integrated onto the Barrett Centre’s education initiatives.  It was then carried forward with a five-week field placement at the Barrett Centre, where students started to brainstorm types of games that might work. Now the creation process has moved ahead, with students in the Interactive Media Design program and Web Development each hard at work in their own domains, the former to design an interface for the game that the latter students will build.

Program Coordinator and Professor Linda Cheng said that she runs the class like an agency to facilitate student collaboration. Several games are in various stages of development, and each will go through planning, prototype and testing. As for the creativity, she’s leaving that to the students.

“When we launch, it will be a surprise. There are three different games, each approach is different, and the knowledge players gain will be different,” she said. She wants students to feel complete ownership of the project as they work to meet the practical needs of the Barrett Centre, and also to have the opportunity of receiving feedback from a real-life client, plus communicating directly as they would in any real-world agency.

For her part, Hoban just has one requirement for the finished product. “The goal of these games has to be educational and fun,” she said, adding that the target audience is Grades 1 and 2. “It‘s all about using the online games to facilitate food literacy education.”

Interior Decorating, Immigration Case Management among four new programs launched by Durham College

Four new programs are launching at Durham College (DC) in fall 2025 to meet industry and community needs and ensure graduates are career-ready and in-demand.

Applications are now open for the Electric Drive Vehicle Technician diploma program, Environmental Technician diploma program, Immigration Case Management graduate certificate and Interior Decorating diploma program.

“At Durham College, our role is to ensure that we are preparing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to fill evolving and in-demand careers,” said Dr. Jean Choi, Vice President, Academic and Students. “Consulting with industry professionals and leaders is an important part of our rigorous program development process so we’re confident these new programs align with the expertise employers are seeking.”

Demand in the immigration field, for example, has increased in recent years as Canada has welcomed millions of newcomers. DC is meeting the demand for legal support skills in the highly specialized area of immigration, refugee and citizenship law by launching the Immigration Case Management program – one of only two available at a public college in Canada.

“Law firms are craving legal assistance,” said Ana Bernal, program coordinator for Immigration Case Management. “Immigration law firms, community centre and centres for that help newcomers are looking for people with specialized knowledge because employers are finding it difficult to train new employees in this complex field.”

Explore all the new programs at DC:

Electric Drive Vehicle Technician (EDVT) – This four-semester diploma program is one of only two in Ontario and meets the demand for technicians to service electric and hybrid vehicles. It’s focused on both traditional mechanical expertise and specialized EV knowledge with students training at DC’s state-of-the-art Vanhaverbeke Family EV Training Centre.

Environmental Technician (EVTN) – Through this four-semester diploma program, students will train to play a key role in helping conserve Canada’s ecosystem and protecting the health of communities from environmental contaminants. They will learn to evaluate, monitor and control potential risks to the environment and public health and assist in environmental protection and sustainability efforts.

Immigration Case Management (IMCM) – This two-semester graduate certificate empowers students with specialized knowledge and skills required to support people engaged in the immigration, refugee and citizenship process. Students acquire specialized legal skills aimed at supporting law practitioners, government agencies and community centres with immigration-related case load.

Interior Decorating (INDR) – Students in this four-semester diploma program will explore the design process, space planning and decoration of both residential and commercial environments. They will learn to work with clients and tackle creative challenges to enhance quality of life through the curation of functional, accessible and beautiful environments.

Connect with our Start at DC team today to explore these new programs and all of DC’s 145+ career-ready programs.

“We actively identify workforce trends and stay ahead of them”: How Durham College develops new programs to meet industry need

DC launches four new programs in fall 2024

This September, Durham College (DC) will welcome the first intakes of students in four new programs, designed to prepare them for today’s competitive job market with the skills and industry-specific knowledge they need to succeed.

The Law Clerk diploma, Professional Selling and Business Development graduate certificate , Clinical Bioinformatics graduate certificate, and the Public Relations graduate certificate programs are DC’s newest offerings – contributing to the college’s impressive repertoire of more than 145 programs, all developed to meet employer and industry needs.

“There is a heightened demand for professionals in these fields and we are proud to develop programming with a forward-focused perspective that prepares students to be career-ready in these industries,” said Dr. Jean Choi, Vice President, Academic and Students at DC. “We actively identify workforce trends and stay ahead of them by following a rigorous program development process that includes labour market analysis and consultation with industry professionals and leaders.”

DC’s new Clinical Bioinformatics graduate certificate program is addressing the growing demand in the health sciences, particularly in emerging fields like genomics and proteomics. These fields, which have evolved from advancements in gene sequencing, enable scientists to use big data to identify and analyze diseases and disorders, leading to the development of targeted drug therapies and precision medicine.

“Research indicates a significant need for experts in clinical bioinformatics who can effectively utilize genomic and proteomic data to improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes,” said Choi.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers in clinical data analysis, clinical research, or genetic counseling within the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

“We also know that there are increasing employability rates in the public relations sector and legal fields, and in the sales industry the acceleration of digital trends has elevated the need for sales professionals to adopt new strategies to drive business success,” Choi added.

As industries rapidly evolve and employer needs continue to shift, DC remains committed to a proactive approach to program development. The college is preparing students who will fill labour shortage gaps and support growth across sectors, enabling graduates to take on rewarding careers in new and evolving fields.

Discover more than 145 in-demand programs by visiting DC online today.

Music Business grad nominated at 2024 Canadian Live Music Awards

This spring, Durham College (DC) alumnus Brendan Kennedy was nominated in the Road Warrior (Tour Manager) of the Year category at the 2024 Canadian Live Music Industry Awards (CLMIA), recognizing his more than 10 years on the road working with bands including The Glorious Sons, Valley and Billy Talent. The 8th annual CLMIAs took place on June 4 and celebrated Canada’s live music industry.

Kennedy grew up in Brockville, Ontario, playing in local bands as a drummer. In a small town with minimal resources, he also took on the role of promoter and sound technician – creating a clear vision for a career in the music industry.

Coming from a musical family, with both of his parents being teachers, he was encouraged to get a post-secondary education in an area he felt passionate about. He enrolled in the Music Business Administration program at DC and graduated in 2013.

“I went into the program with a pretty solid goal of what I wanted to accomplish, but the courses and faculty helped me understand how the whole music industry ecosystem works,” said Kennedy. “I took every available opportunity to gain experience doing sound. I did every open mic and took on a really big leadership role at The Reel Music Festival.”

The Reel Music Festival, now Oshawa Music Week, is an annual event organized by students in DC’s Music Business Administration/Music Business Management program and features live music showcases, entertainment for music lovers, and music-industry education for aspiring and established music-business practitioners.

After graduation, Kennedy moved to Toronto with his band, but quickly found his existing connections in the industry were opening opportunities for him to kick-start his career off stage. He began working in the studio with his friend, and future Juno Award-winning producer, Derek Hoffman. He then secured a position doing sound at two Toronto venues working DJ nights and shows. A bartender at one of the venues was Chris Cresswell from Canadian punk-rock band, The Flatliners. Cresswell heard Kennedy mixing a show and invited him on tour.

Since that first tour, Kennedy has been on the road with different bands consistently for 10 years touring Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada and the United States.

He attributes his success not only to technical skills but to soft skills like organization, problem solving and an ability to connect with people. “You have to be good at your job, but being personable is also important,” he said. “I’ve been told I’m a very patient person, so that helps. I’ve always attributed that to my grandparents because they were so patient with my cousins and me as kids.”

A self-described open-book, Kennedy returns to campus when he can to offer guidance and inspiration to current students. His advice to those starting out in the music industry is to find an area you enjoy and stick with it.

“If you know you want to go into tour management for example, find people in that role to network with and just work really hard at that one thing. Putting yourself out there is the most important thing you can do in this business, and if you can stick close to your goals, it’ll pay off.”

* photo credit: Becca Hamel

Work study students enliven L Wing with original artwork

Four Durham College (DC) Fine Arts students have spent the summer transforming the L Wing with their artistic talent.

“We have an amazing group of students who have been hired to enliven our hallways by producing some original artwork and collaborative pieces,” explained Sean McQuay, professor and coordinator of the Fine Arts program.

Heading into the third and final year of their program, Elijah McKenzie, Meghan Costello, Jennifer Rammler and Jordan Dolman jumped at the opportunity to put their artistic stamp on the walls of DC for years to come.

The quartet have been hard at work since late spring, and many of their 18 pieces will be completed in time to be enjoyed by returning students next month. Work on the others will continue throughout the fall semester.

“The point is to bring life into the halls and make this feel like the art wing that it is,” said Costello. “I think it’s really special that we’re doing work that we’ll get to see every day throughout the year, and our classmates and other students will also get to see it.”

One eye-catching piece is a colorful and anatomically correct version of the familiar “I Heart DC” logo. But the artists were not instructed to simply promote the school. Instead, they were encouraged to treat the walls as their personal canvas and create work that’s meaningful to them.

McKenzie is particularly proud of a piece that depicts an open mouth emitting smoke.

“I wanted to represent how people want to get their voice out,” he said. “It’s nice to have a variety of different styles and themes.”

He has also collaborated with Costello as she creates a mural depicting a skeletal figure emitting light from within. Rammler has been hard at work on a mural that celebrates the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, while Dolman has focused on pieces that he hopes will radiate positivity.

“I’m just making them colorful and full of love and putting all that energy out there,” he said. “I always try to start with good vibes and just go with it.”

Providing a work study opportunity like this is a dream come true for McQuay, his fellow professor Keir Broadfoot and the entire Media, Art and Design (MAD) Faculty. Though the work of Fine Arts students has long been displayed throughout Durham College (DC), this is the first time they’ve been allowed to redecorate the wing they call home.

Though the students are being paid for their work, they’re also gaining invaluable experience in the conception, planning and implementation of the kind of art project they hope to work on in the future.

“We wanted to give them the opportunity to do the planning and conceptualization on their own, so they can have as much experience as possible working on a large-scale project,” said Broadfoot.  

It’s a rare opportunity that isn’t lost on the students, according to Rammler.

“I don’t even know of any art schools that would have such a convenient and open opportunity to do artwork for the school, and get paid for it, while you’re still students,” she said.

A summer of hard work will yield some great artwork for students to enjoy, and another example of how DC is leading the way in experiential learning.

The L Wing is open to everyone. Next time you’re on campus be sure to visit and enjoy the new artwork.